Remembering The “PURPLE pantONE”

Minnesotans now have a new way to fondly recall the life and times of one of the most prolific and controversial musical talents that the state ever produced. Last week the Prince Estate and Pantone Color Institute released a dedicated Pantone color for the Purple One. Spoiler alert: it’s purple!

Labeled “Love Symbol #2,” the color is “a distinctive new purple shade created in memory of Prince” according to Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute. Prince dedicated himself to the thoughtful construction of a vibrant, declarative and energetic brand; it only stands to reason that his estate would do the same.

Now the challenging bit: How much Prince swag is too much Prince swag? Pantone and the Prince Estate have opened wide the floodgates of commodification and there can be little doubt a rushing torrent of Love Symbol #2 merch will run through the homes and offices of the Twin Cities.

Does this sort of posthumous brand-application cheapen the memory of the states most infamous wild child? Only time and throngs of purple coffee mugs will tell.